After patiently sitting all spring and summer while we dealt with Carla's
mom's medical rollercoaster, the Vanagon finally fired-up tonight.  If I
count my time as $, I probably should have taken it to the shop, but man, it
felt good to have it turn over tonight.  I hope that's the last head gasket
job I ever do...  Next wasserboxer I have that gives me trouble gets
replaced by an inline VW engine...

She smells really bad since the exhaust manifold paint is smokin' like
crazy, and she's really noisy because I haven't put any load on the lifters
yet(per Boston Bob), but she's alive.  I don't think my daughter would
really understand if I woke her up for a high-five, but Sammy dog was waggin
his tail when he heard the Vanagon running.  I'm going to bed now.

ps. My parts guy/mechanic and I theorize that cussing at a Vanagon in German
is more effective than English.  Does that mean I have to speak to my Fox in
Portuguese?

Randy, Carla & Anna Huyck, Olympia, WA
'75 Rustfalia
'85 Vanagon GL
'90 Fox GL
'74 Super Beetle